Ralph Lauren quietly shuttered its two-year-old 20,000-square-foot store last week. Other brands are expected to close boutiques in a city that has lost its luster for cash-rich mainland Chinese tourists.

David Beckham and his representatives are said to be in meetings with several companies about developing a Beckham-branded men's underwear line.

David Beckham and his representatives are said to be in talks with several companies about developing a Beckham-branded men’s underwear line, according to industry sources.

The names of the companies could not be learned but the line would be launched for fall 2010.

Beckham has decided not to renew his contract with Emporio Armani Underwear, where he has featured in the brand’s global advertising and marketing for the last two years. That deal expires later this year. With Beckham in the Emporio Armani Underwear ads, the brand’s sales more than doubled last year to over $30 million, sources said.

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@rebeccaminkoff is bringing self-checkout to high fashion: The brand has partnered with @queuehop to bring its customers self-checkout options, beginning this holiday season at its SoHo store. (📷: @aurorarosephoto)